This month I will continue my discussion of why I feel that a zero-carb approach to dieting might be counter-productive when trying to achieve not only ideal health, but your ideal body.
Thus far I have mentioned that a lack of any carbohydrates in the diet will also cause a lack of insulin, which can compromise one’s ability to rapidly and efficiently uptake amino acids, glucose, creatine and other muscle building compounds into muscle cells at several critical times during the day. As well, this lack of insulin will also result in higher levels of circulating cortisol, which can cause a myriad of problems for those who want to lose fat and maintain (or gain) muscle tissue, such as impaired thyroid function and lower GH output. But the negatives do not stop there…
Reason # 5: High cortisol levels can affect sleep patterns!
A little talked about fact in regards to cortisol is that it is actually one of the hormones associated with waking and sleeping patterns. Naturally, levels of cortisol are highest in the morning and lowest at night, with a number of fluctuations during the day. The higher amounts of circulating cortisol in the early hours help to wake us up. When the daily cycle of cortisol secretion is disrupted to a large degree it can cause levels to remain elevated at night, with the result being an inability to relax and fall asleep. Studies have proven that those who get less sleep at night tend to exhibit higher levels of body fat and lesser amounts of lean body mass.
Reason # 6: No carbs pre or post exercise can compromise the immune system!
The type of intense training that serious-minded exercisers engage in can suppress the immune system, which of course can lead to an increased risk of illness. When the body is forced to work harder to fight off bacteria and infection it will have less energy to put towards recuperation, repair and growth (of lean tissue). Combating illness is certainly higher on the body’s priority list than building muscle and burning fat. Not to mention that when you are sick, you might not be able to train or do cardio as needed to facilitate maximum progress. Studies show that carbohydrate consumption built around workouts (pre/intra/post) can reduce the immune system reaction to vigorous exercise helping to keep your muscle building and fat burning machinery working at optimum levels.
Reason # 7: No carbs in the diet can impair genes for muscle hypertrophy (growth)!
Let’s face it…most of us like the way a muscular/toned body looks, whether it is on a man or a woman. While few people wish to display the mass of a bodybuilder, there is no doubt that building some lean, tight muscle onto a physique creates a desirable, aesthetically pleasing body. Well, on this note, it seems that research has shown that low muscle glycogen (the stored form of carbohydrates) concentrations actually reduce the expression of several genes responsible for muscle growth!
While a 2005 study reported a blunting of an important molecule in cell signaling and protein synthesis pathways called PKB (or Akt), newer research has also proven that low pre-exercise muscle glycogen stores decrease resting levels of two other major genes involved in muscle growth…myogenin and IGF-1! No wonder so many ketogenic dieters end up looking “skinny-fat!”
So, what is the moral of this little scientific story?
While zero carbohydrate, ketogenic diets can allow for some quick weight loss on the scale, it is important to know that if used for an extended period, much of the pounds will end up coming from muscle tissue. The final result will be a lower body weight, but also less “lean mass,” which will not only make you feel and look weaker, but will also never give you the strong, lean, fit looking body you are likely after!
Balance is the key and short-cuts will always leave YOU short…of your goals!
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
About Eric Broser
Connect with Us on These Sites